The Girl Who Woke the Dreamer by Laini Taylor

My True Love Gave to Me

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 28

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

               

                I’m starting to think Laini Taylor is not my kind of author. I struggled to rate this story, because there weren’t many specific things I can point to as a problem.

                The pace was slow and I found it rather boring. I was forcing myself to finish because it was the last story and I wanted to finish. But I think others especially those that enjoy Ms. Taylor’s other works would really like this story.

                I will say I was a little confused about what happened and the world. I think it’s a fantasy story, but I’m not sure. And the “romance” fell a little flat for me.

Star of Bethlehem by Ally Carter

My True Love Gave to Me

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 28

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                It’s no secret that I’m a fan of Ally Carter. I was eager to get to this story because I figured it would be a more realistic story than her other stuff. She’s also the way I found out about this anthology.

                I really enjoyed this story. It was interesting to read because the main character has so many secrets even from the reader.

                And I liked the way the two relationships developed. Unlike a lot of the other stories this had a romance and a kind of paternal relationship. The romance was very cute, but I fell in love with Liddy’s relationship with Aunt Mary. I loved seeing them bond and get close.

Welcome to Christmas, CA by Kiersten White

My True Love Gave to Me

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 32

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                This is another story that had a slow start. It’s hard to be really successful when you have a slow start in a short story. But in the end, I enjoyed the story well enough.

                I found the story interesting and a little different. At this point, Maria is probably the most negative character from the get-go. But Ben was a good complement.

                I also liked the way Ms. White played with expectations. Especially when it comes to Maria’s parents.

                There was a lot going on though. I still don’t completely understand who all the characters are and their relationships to one another. I also struggled with Ms. White’s voice. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it didn’t work for me.

Beer Buckets and Baby Jesus by Myra McEntire

My True Love Gave to Me

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 25

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                This one was kind of forgettable. It was entertaining, but nothing special.

                I don’t even really know what to say. The characters were moderately interesting, but I didn’t connect with them. And I was kind of confused about some of the things that were going on or happened.

                I can appreciate another story told from a male POV though.

What the Hell Have You Done, Sophie Roth? By Gayle Forman

My True Love Gave to Me

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 24

Rating: 4 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                Another different story. This one covered racial differences, religious differences, and had some foul language.

                Initially, Sophie was kind of a tough pill to swallow. I get that she felt out of place, but she was kind of judgmental and pretentious. I can forgive this because she does grow in this short story.

                Ms. Forman also navigates stereotypes and expectations well. Now, that I think about it more a huge theme seems to surround this.

                I also liked the way Jewish traditions were handled. It didn’t feel like she was info-dumping, but was still informative. This is definitely one of the stronger stories in the anthology.

Krampuslauf by Holly Black

My True Love Gave to Me

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 26

Rating: 3 Stars

How I Got It: Purchased

                This was definitely a different story. It had more fantasy or paranormal elements.

                It also focused less on the romantic elements. At least in the traditional way. I get that’s a huge part of this anthology, but it was a nice change of pace. Plus, it’s a holiday story that doesn’t go with Santa or more traditional themes.

                While I enjoyed it, I did struggle with connecting to the main character. I mean I can’t even remember her name. It’s not a good sign when you’re already forgetting things in less than a day.